NEET Paper Leak: Retired Teacher & NTA Expert Key Accused

Top Summary

• What happened: Retired Latur chemistry professor P.V. Kulkarni is a key accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, suspected of exploiting his NTA role.
• Why it matters: The alleged leak compromises the integrity of the national medical entrance exam, affecting thousands of aspiring doctors.
• What changes for people: The CBI investigation is ongoing, potentially leading to re-exams and stricter security measures for future NEET exams.
• Who is affected: NEET aspirants, the NTA, coaching centers, and the credibility of medical admissions are all impacted.

The Professor Next Door

P.V. Kulkarni, a retired chemistry professor from Latur, is at the center of a CBI investigation into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Neighbors and former associates are shocked by the allegations.

Kulkarni, a retired professor from Dayanand College, is accused of abusing his position as a Subject Matter Expert for the National Testing Agency (NTA).

NEET Coaching Ecosystem Link

Investigators believe Kulkarni's deep roots in Maharashtra’s NEET coaching network made him valuable to the alleged racket. He taught at Dayanand College in Latur for nearly 28 years.

After retirement, he continued mentoring students in Latur and Pune. Approximately 15-16 students resided on the upper floors of his bungalow for NEET and CET preparation.

Alleged Paper Leak Scheme

The CBI alleges Kulkarni leaked chemistry questions to Manisha Waghmare, who acted as a link between candidates and the network. Another accused, Manisha Mandhare, a professor in Pune, is also allegedly connected to Kulkarni.

Investigators are examining notebooks seized from students who attended Kulkarni's guidance session. Questions in these notebooks allegedly matched portions of the actual NEET paper.

Investigation Details

 

"We were not aware that he was a paper setter for NTA because such appointments are confidential and not supposed to be disclosed for security and secrecy reasons. But yes, we do not support what has happened and demand strict action if he has really helped get the paper," said Dayanand College principal Dr Siddhesh Bellale.

 

The CBI suspects the racket divided subjects, with Shubham Khairnar handling biology. Kulkarni's custody is needed to identify locations where questions were allegedly shown to candidates and to trace the paper's movement.

Broader Impact

The case has unsettled Latur’s coaching industry, a major NEET and engineering entrance preparation hub. The CBI is examining financial transactions, phone records, and candidate movement to determine the scale of the alleged racket.

The investigation aims to uncover whether more individuals connected to the examination system were involved. The NEET exam may be online from 2027.

What to Watch Next

The CBI investigation is ongoing, focusing on financial records and tracing the movement of the leaked paper. Further arrests and details about the scope of the alleged racket are expected in the coming weeks.